Predator Ridge Community Safety
Raising Our Community Awareness through Prevention/Mitigation and Preparedness
The City of Vernon is currently accepting Auxiliary Firefighter applications for multiple positions for Fire Station 3 at Predator Ridge.
If you ever wanted to be a part of this exciting opportunity within your own community now is your chance. Download the Auxillary Firefighter document below, which explains the qualifications and process to apply.
Folks, pleased be reminded that May and June are deer fawning season in B.C. and it is important that everyone give deer a wide berth, keep pets on a leash, and avoid approaching or interfering in any way.
There appears to be a Doe with her fawns in the foliage and tall grass some where in the area of the junction of Falcon Point and Niblick. I am thinking possibly in Popowich’s property.
Please use caution especially if you are walking with your dog. Does may see pets as predators or threats to its newborns since dogs belong to the same family as coyotes and wolves – natural predators of fawns in the wild.
If you should find yourself in the situation of being charged by a Doe, it is suggested that you wave your arms and make a lot of noise, try to make yourself look bigger than the Doe, also try to get something between yourself and the Doe, large tree, cement yard lights, car, golf cart.
A female deer (doe) will give birth to one to three fawns. A doe will often leave her fawn(s) alone for hours at a time while she feeds, returning throughout the day to nurse. Scentless, well-camouflaged and silent, fawns may appear to be orphaned and helpless, but this is their way to avoid predators. If you come across a fawn(s), leave the area as the doe may be nearby. Lingering in the area may prevent her from returning.
Regards
Jane Toppozini
Dear Neighbour,
We wanted to provide you with a community update relating to the current wildfire situation in the Okanagan.
There has been no change in risk levels at Predator Ridge. Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) continues to be positioned at Fire Station #3 at Predator Ridge, as a command post with Deputy Chief and crew. The team continues to proactively monitor our community through 30-minute patrols and Fire Station #3 will be staffed 24-hours/day until the threat levels drop.
As per the latest emergency release from the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, a stage 4 water restriction has been put in place throughout the region. We are not under a restriction at Predator Ridge, however, we strongly encourage you to reduce your water consumption. This will ensure that if required, we can conserve the water in our reservoir for fire fighting purposes. See below for a link to the CORD emergency news conference for full details.
CITY OF VERNON RESOURCES
It is important to keep yourself updated with the latest information from official sources. If you haven’t already, please register to receive alerts from COV directly through:
CENTRAL OKANAGAN EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
The current wildfires in the Okanagan are all located in the Regional District of the Central Okanagan. For up-to-date information please visit CordEmergency.ca. You can also follow them on Twitter (@CO_Emerg).
For more details on the fire situation, we encourage you to watch the official Emergency News conference released at 11am this morning. This can be viewed at the link below or via their YouTube channel (@regionaldistrict).
GOVERNMENT OF BC
Earlier this afternoon, the Government of BC released their BC Wildfire Update. This can be viewed on the link below or via their YouTube channel (@GovernmentofBC)
We have received a lot of questions regarding what do to in the case of an Evacuation Alert or Order.
As per the Government of BC, if an Evacuation Alert is in place, be ready to leave on short notice and take the following steps:
NOW MORE THAN EVER, we are grateful to have our local evacuation siren installed and a tool readily available for our community. As a reminder, in the event that we are placed on an Evacuation Order, we will be notified:
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SIREN?Due to some innovative cost savings, and further in-kind contributions by Predator Ridge, we are now only $6,000 short of our needed funding for the siren.
If you have not had an opportunity to contribute, we still need all members of our community to do their part and CONTRIBUTE to this invaluable community resource.
We are currently being challenged with staffing levels due to evacuations in Kelowna and Lake Country, where a significant amount of our team resides. We have had to make the decision to limit our onsite amenities as follows:
Our focus is to ensure the safety of our community we will provide you with further updates when we receive them. We encourage you to stay connected with official sources, as provided above.
Sincerely,
The Predator Ridge Management Team
AND
Your Predator Ridge Community Safety (PRCS) Committee
Gordon Wilson
Jane Toppozini
Karen Grimsrud
Robert Scott
Gord Ball
Dear Homeowners,
Our 2021 wildfire season was an exhausting one on many fronts. We experienced unseasonable hot dry weather, a wave of unpredictable forest fires and smoke throughout our entire province. Thankfully, we had a bit of a reprieve this past summer, however forecasted trends in weather patterns show hotter and dryer summers ahead with an increased risk of wildfire.
In an ongoing attempt to keep all our residents safe, Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC) looked at additional avenues to enhance our community’s safety. We have been working with both Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill, and we have all agreed that although the current technology of using cell phone and email alerts is effective, it may not be the total solution for our community should the City of Vernon ever need to get an emergency alert out to all the guests, visitors and Predator Ridge residents, especially in the middle of the night.
Additional information can be found on our website: https://prcemc.ca/alert-siren/
PRCEMC is proud to announce that we have been successful with our proposal to the City of Vernon regarding the acquisition, installation and management of the Predator Ridge Emergency Evacuation Siren (EES). Over the past year we have worked closely with Predator Ridge, Sparkling Hill, and the City of Vernon, and we have all agreed that, although the current technology of using cell phone and email alerts is effective, it may not be the total solution for our community should the City of Vernon ever need to get an evacuation alert out to all guests, visitors and Predator Ridge residents, especially in the middle of the night.
We have looked at other communities that have successfully utilized cell phone and email technology in tandem with an EES to notify their community of imminent danger. Using all these systems together provides far better coverage and peace of mind to all residents.
An updated cost estimate and call for additional bids was undertaken for the acquisition and installation of the EES and related equipment. The final cost of the acquisition and installation is still in line to what had been forecasted at the beginning of the project: $112,000. Based on approximate population estimates of each stakeholder group throughout the fire season (PR Community, PR Resort and Sparkling Hill) we have agreed upon the following fair and equitable contributions to the project.
| STAKEHOLDER | CONTRIBUTION |
|---|---|
| Predator Ridge Residents | 60,000.00 |
| Predator Ridge Resort (Wesbuild) | 30,000.00 |
| Sparkling Hill Resort | 22,000.00 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $112,000.00 |
With approximately 750 households in the community, if each household contributes an amount between $75.00 and $100.00, we could easily reach our target goal of $60,000.
We recognize that not everyone’s financial situation is the same, so we ask that you please support as best you can, and if your circumstances allow for additional funds, we would welcome the support. At the end of the day we are all building a better, safer community together.
The EES is scheduled to be installed in April/May for the start of the 2023 Fire Season.
There will be information and educational sessions held this spring to ensure everyone understands the process and procedures should we find our community in an emergency evacuation situation where the EES would need to be activated.
If you have any questions please email us at: questions@prcemc.ca or visit the Siren Information page.
Thank you in advance for supporting Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management and our Community Safety Program.
It takes all of us, working together, to build a stronger, safer community….
Your PRCEMC Team
Gord Wilson; Jane Toppozini; Karen Grimsrud; Robert Scott
Dear Homeowner,
Being prepared before and when disaster strikes is something only you can initiate. There are many great resources readily available that will help you understand what potential hazards you might face and what you can do to be prepared for them. However, the responsibility lies with each of us individually to seek out this information and be prepared for the unexpected.
The following is a list of resource that will help you be better prepared for an emergency:
Being aware of what hazards you should prepare for is the first step in emergency preparedness. Although severe weather, power outages etc. are factors, one of the most likely and significant threats to our community is wildfire. Because we live in a wild land interface area, it’s important that we are ready and understand what to do before, during and after a wildfire.
The Wildfire Preparedness Guide is an excellent resource to help you plan for such an emergency. + Click here to access the Wildfire Preparedness Guide
At the onset of a disaster, you might need to stay at home with your emergency kit, or you may need to leave at a moment’s notice with your grab and go bags. Now is the time to gather and organize supplies so you are ready should disaster strike. + Click here to access instructions and videos, on how to build a household emergency kit & grab-and-go bag
A well thought out emergency plan communicated with everyone in your household can save time (and lives) during an emergency. Everyone will know what to do, where to call and how to stay safe if an emergency were to happen. Make sure to review the plan with each member of your household and involve them in the planning process. Keep a copy of this plan in an easy to find and easy to remember place. If you have out-of-town visitors staying with you during wildfire season – tell them about your plan!
The Vernon Connect App is now up and running and available for all devices. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download. Among the many things you can use the app for, the emergency alert feature will kick in if an emergency occurs that requires residents to act. In such cases, the “report a problem” banner changes to read “alert” and the colour changes from green to red. Residents should read the alert to help decide next steps.
If you don’t have a smart phone, you can still subscribe to stay up to date on the latest news and events happening in the Vernon area. + Click here to register.
Our best defense is a good offence. Be prepared and have a well thought out plan including:
There are three (3) stages to an evacuation.
First and foremost, follow the instructions provided by the local emergency coordinators & responders. You are prepared because you have made an emergency plan and your grab-and-go kits are ready to go.
If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to your PRCEMC online at: PRCEMC.ca/Contact-Us.
Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)
Jane Toppozini, Gord Wilson, Luiz Araujo, Karen Grimsrud, Robert Scott, Colleen Scott.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PRCEMC Community Safety Contest Winners:
PRCEMC would like to extend a congratulations to the winners of our Community Safety Draw held in December.
Thank you to everyone for participating. Keep an eye for our next news letter and draw!! Be Safe, Be Seen
Dear Neighbours;
To say that 2021 was a challenging year would be an understatement. During the continuing COVID pandemic, we managed through a significant heat dome in early summer that set the stage for one of the worst wildfire seasons ever throughout the province. If that wasn’t enough, this fall has recorded some of the heaviest rainfall coastal areas have ever seen, resulting in serious flooding and damage to structures, the transportation infrastructure and supply chains.
While one might ask, “what could be next?”, a better question is, “how can I be better prepared?”
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER
Severe weather like snow storms, thunderstorms, hail, freezing rain, blizzards, high winds or heavy rain can happen with little warning, and in any season and these severe weather patterns can often cause a loss of power. When preparing for potential severe weather, it is a good rule of thumb to be prepared for at least 48 – 72 hours of isolation.
It is important to have an emergency plan and have done some preparation, in the event that we are isolated for an extended time. BC Emergency Management has some excellent advice and information on Preparing for Severe Weather and power outages:
A power outage can involve a short- or long-term loss of electricity to an area, and we may find ourselves without light, heat and hot water. In the event of a power outage in our area, it is always a good idea to confirm that BC Hydro is aware of it. The faster they are advised, the sooner they can dispatch repair crews. To confirm power outages are reported in our area, go to BC Hydro’s outage list/map.
If our area does not appear on the BC Hydro map or list of outages call BC Hydro and log the outage as soon as possible: 1-800-224-9376.
https://www.bchydro.com/power-outages/app/outage-list.html
SAFETY
Winter is upon us and the shorter darker days are here once again. The cold weather, ice, and snow can also increase the chances of slips and falls. If you are out walking on the roadways with family, friends and pets, please keep in mind that you are not always visible to oncoming traffic especially at dawn, dusk and at night. Wearing some form of reflective clothing or headlamps is one way to stay VISIBLE. With the fluctuating temperatures, the road and pathways can be very icy and slippery. Wearing cleats and using poles is an excellent way to prevent any unexpected and possibly dangerous falls.
CBC Marketplace did a study this year to find out which winter boots were actually better for winter walking or hiking. The article “5 out of 6 winter boots fail slip test on ice” can be found here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-boot-test-1.6252613
BLOCK WATCH
2021 has been a quiet year for Block Watch activities here at Predator Ridge, which means another successful and crime-free period in our community. The pandemic has limited our Block Watch yearly meetings with Captains, Co-Captains and especially our newer residents. If you have recently moved to Predator Ridge and have not been contacted by your neighbourhood Block Watch Captain/Co-Captain, please contact the Predator Ridge Block Watch Committee at blockwatch_predator_ridge@prcemc.ca or visit us at our website at https://prcemc.ca/block-watch/. Please continue to look after each other. Turn on your outside lights at dusk and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.
FIRESMART
With the proximity of the White Rock Lake Fire this summer, many Predator Ridge residents tackled their own personal FireSmart cleanups around their homes.
This fall two significant FireSmart Events were held in our community. On Saturday, October 23rd, a sanctioned clean-up was held in the Commonage neighbourhood with over 35 volunteers from all over Predator Ridge attending. It was a great day and we filled two 25-yard waste disposal bins right to the top. And on October 24th, Osprey Green Townhomes residents rolled up their sleeves and cleaned up a section of their common land that bordered #7 fairway of the Predator golf course.
To view further details and pictures of the 2021 FireSmart neighbourhood clean-ups here at Predator Ridge, visit the website at: FireSmart (https://prcemc.ca/firesmart/)
EMERGENCY ALERT SIREN SURVEY
The Emergency Alert Siren Survey results were very positive. 675 residents were surveyed and 540 responded. 78% of those who took the survey were in favour of the siren and 69% were in favour of paying $100.00 to support of the acquisition and installation of an emergency alert siren. The decision was made to move forward and present the proposal to the City of Vernon. PRCEMC members met with City of Vernon Officials on November 4th to present the project proposal. The City Fire Chief reviewed the material favourably and asked for a few weeks to further discuss the proposal and how they might incorporate the emergency alert siren within their existing emergency management system.
If the City agrees to incorporate the emergency alert siren into its existing emergency management plan, and will take on primary authority over the horn, then PRCEMC will move forward with further community engagement. The City will meet and discuss their decision mid-December.
For further details and survey results visit the PRCEMC website. https://prcemc.ca/alert-siren/
TRAFFIC FLOW
There has been a fair amount of discussion over the past few months regarding the increase in traffic volume and speed on some of our community roadways. PRCEMC members did meet with City of Vernon official to review Birdie Lake Drive and Falcon Point Way, resulting in the replacement and upgrading of a proper stop sign and installation of a warning sign ahead. We also engaged with Wesbild regarding the increase in traffic flow and the challenges the community is experiencing due to the increase in traffic. Predator recognize that there are some challenges with the current traffic flow and volume, and have agreed to take time over the winter to determine the right plan of action for moving forward.
COMMONAGE ROAD IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE – CRIC
As the Commonage Road Improvement Committee has completed their objectives and the committee will be winding down, we would like to thank the committee for their contribution to building a safer community. All of their efforts to have improvements made to Commonage Road have been greatly appreciated by all. Thank you to Jane Toppozini, Gord Ball and Morgan Grant.
ADDITION TO PRCEMC
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Karen Grimsrud to the PRCEMC. Karen has recently moved to our community and brings with her a wealth of expereince in emergency management planning, she will be a great resource to the community and a welcomed addtion to our committee.
COMMUNITY SAFETY CONTEST
The PRCEMC is hosting a community safety contest! Winners will receive either a set of Head Lamps or a Reflective Vest. To enter simply answer a few questions regarding Community Safety and your name will be entered into a draw to win a Head Lamp or Reflective Vest. Contest will close midnight on December 18th, 2021. (Please only one entry per person).
Click here to enter the Contest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_rG0IWB0m2zYOeXDZZF9mpJYgdGXADBycRwoHrlIhzg/edit
We wish you all a safe, and very Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year 2022.
Sincerely,
Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)
Jim Popowich
Colleen Scott
Jane Toppozini
Gordon Wilson
Luiz Araujo
Karen Grimsrud
